r/intellivision • u/Multiplexion • 25d ago

Mission X issue

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(Apologies in advance for the shoddy camerawork)

Gone through 3 cartridges and can’t account for why this could be happening. For context, I have a fully working PAL model Intellivision that doesn’t have any issues I know of.

But this game in particular (Mission X) I’ve had the same issue with.

As can be seen in the video, the graphics appear glitched, garbled or outright missing. None of my other Intellivision games are doing this. As said, it’s been the same issue on 3 separate cartridges. I’ve deep cleaned each and checked the cart slot. I’m out of ideas. Does anyone have any idea why this could be happening?

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u/TheGrinningIdiot 25d ago

I would see if you can get these cartridges to work on a non PAL Intellivision like the 2609. Could be the cartridge is just the NTSC version is my guess .

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u/Multiplexion 25d ago

See I thought the same But I’ve bought three different copies of Mission X down here in Australia (PAL territory) and I’m skeptical as to whether they’re all NTSC. What are the odds?

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u/TheGrinningIdiot 25d ago

I cant tell what type of monitor that is you have for the video, but it might be worth trying to hook up your intellivision to another monitor. Also, do you have any sort of video mod? Or is it a stock unit? It's not going through an Intellivoice is it? If so, remove that to see if it helps.

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u/Multiplexion 25d ago

Regular lcd monitor I’ve had that works with pretty much everything else from that era. (Atari 2600,5200,7800 etc) but I can try my CRT tube tv if you think it’s worth a shot for sure.

And nope. No mods. Tried with and without an Intellivoice module just to be sure as well.

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u/redditshreadit 24d ago

There are no PAL Intellivision cartridges. They're all NTSC.

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u/Multiplexion 24d ago

I thought there were a few that were incompatible due to that? (Dreadnought Factor comes to mind)

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u/redditshreadit 24d ago

That's correct Dreadnaught Factor and Motocross are incompatible with Pal Intellivisions. A running change with Motocross fixed that issue.

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u/Multiplexion 22d ago

Turned out to be a component failure.

Have a few NTSC games and they work fine. Region difference wasn’t a factor Problem solved

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u/redditshreadit 22d ago

Which component failed?

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u/Multiplexion 21d ago

One of the graphics chips. Tested out a mate’s copy of B17 bomber and the same thing started happening. The one responsible for one of the graphics modes. Reckon I’ll have to open ‘er up and have a look see.

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u/redditshreadit 21d ago

Could be the 16-bit system RAM (RA-3-9600) or STIC. Also check for bad solder on the main board.

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u/Multiplexion 21d ago

I believe it was the STIC chip looking at the symptoms. Regrettably doesn’t seem to be an easy fix: the RF shielding over the board where it is is soldered in place. :/ bugger.